Sanofi-aventis wins award for charitable venture

Sanofi-aventis has earned the 2010 Global Business Coalition Core Competence Award for a malaria treatment programme it is conducting in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Global Business Coalition, which is dedicated to working against infectious illnesses such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, presented the prize to Sanofi-aventis in recognition of its Malaria Access to Medicines initiative.

This scheme is being conducted in association with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative and centres on the distribution of the anti-malaria drug Asaq to poor patients at a minimal cost.

Dr Robert Sebbag, vice-president for Sanofi-aventis’ access to medicines division, described the award-winning programme as representative of the firm’s commitment to serving public health needs.

He added: “It is an example to everyone of the benefits we can achieve for patients by working in partnership and pooling our expertise, knowledge and resources in pursuit of a shared goal.”

Earlier this month, Sanofi-aventis launched Sanofi Espoir, a new corporate foundation which will support its global humanitarian activities.